Keto Happy Hour: 15 Low Carb Keto Drinks and Beverages for Ketosis

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Cocktail lovers, rejoice! Happy hour is still alive and well on the keto diet. While being on the keto diet makes it a little harder to enjoy a drink at the neighbourhood bar or restaurant, there are plenty of keto cocktails and mocktails you can make at home! Low carb keto drinks have less sugar and carbs than the original versions, but you still get the delicious taste you love! Right up your alley, you say? Right this way!

What is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet is a high fat, low carb diet that helps with weight loss and offers a range of health benefits including reduced blood sugar and insulin levels, brain and heart health, gastrointestinal and gallbladder health, and more.

The keto diet works by depleting your body of its stored sugar, and the goal is for you to get more calories from protein than carbs. The keto diet urges you to consume less carbs and more high fat foods. The reduction of carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Ketosis encourages your body to start burning its own fat stores for energy, which is why it’s amazing for weight loss.

Can I Drink Alcohol on the Keto Diet?

Yes! You can drink alcohol on the keto diet. Just not all forms of alcohol, and of course, like anything else, alcohol is best in moderation. Some alcohols are extremely high in sugar and carbs, but others pass the keto test. Clear liquors at around 40% alcohol are considered ketogenic drinks. These include vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, rum, scotch, brandy and cognac. You can also drink low carb beer, champagne and dry wine. Use these alcohols to make low carb mixed drinks with sugar-free mixes that won’t allow you to fall into the trap of empty calories.

What Types of Alcohol Should I Avoid on the Keto Diet?

There are certain alcohols and mixes that are definitely not low carb drinks, and you should stay far away from them on the keto diet. These include alcohols like peach schnapps, curacao, Baileys, beers and wines that are high in carbs and sugar, and wine coolers.

Keep in mind, most people need significantly less alcohol to get intoxicated on the keto diet, so know your limit and take it easy the first time you drink alcohol on keto!

Cocktails: 10 Keto Drinks with Alcohol

If you’re craving your favourite cocktail on the keto diet, here are low carb versions of the most popular cocktails out there!

1. Keto Mojito | Tasteaholics This low carb, sugar free mojito is a healthy spin on the classic. You’ll consume way less calories, while still enjoying the delicious taste of a minty mojito!

2. Low Carb Sex on the Beach | Low Carb-ology While the original ‘sex on the beach’ cocktail is full of sugar, this version has zero sugar and zero carbs. But it will still give you that fruity, tropical taste! It’s made with flavoured vodka and zero carb water enhancer to mimic the taste of fruit juice.

3. Low Carb Vanilla Latte Martini | All Day I Dream About Food A low carb cocktail made with vanilla vodka, cream and sugar-free homemade kahlua, you’ll love sipping on this after dinner. With no sugary liqueurs, this cocktail is perfect for anyone on the keto diet.

4. Low Carb Strawberry Lemonade Mojitos | I Breathe, I’m Hungry These strawberry lemonade mojitos are a blend of white rum, mint, and sugar free strawberry lemonade. You can add fresh strawberries to garnish if you like, or sip on it without. Either way, it’s a refreshing low carb cocktail to get you through summer!

7. Low Carb Spicy Margarita | KetoDiet App Rather than whipping up (or ordering) a high-in-sugar margarita, make this low carb spicy version instead. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, jalapeno, and a simple syrup made with water and Swerve, this cocktail is keto approved!

8. Low Carb Sugar Free Moscow Mule | I Breathe, I’m Hungry Instead of using ginger beer like the classic moscow mule, this recipe includes a sugar free ginger syrup and diet ginger ale, mixed with vodka and lime juice. You still get a delicious blast of ginger, without all the carbs.

9. Low Carb Cosmopolitan | Very Well Fit Cosmopolitans are typically packed with sugar. The blend of cranberry juice and Cointreau or Triple sec makes it one of the sweetest drinks around. But this low carb cosmo is much lower in sugar and carbs, and doesn’t sacrifice on flavour. You can sip on it totally guilt-free.

10. Low Carb Daiquiri | KetoDiet App Daiquiris are the perfect summer cocktail, the only downside is they’re filled with sugar! This low carb alternative uses just a few drops of stevia, white rum, lime and a cup of ice.

Mocktails: 5 Keto Drinks without Alcohol

For the days when alcohol is the last thing on your mind, sip on these delicious keto mocktails instead!

Kate is a freelance writer with a background in fashion, beauty and wellness. When she’s not trying out new recipes, taking a hot yoga class, or curled up with a good book, you can find her blogging about lifestyle tips and entrepreneurialism at Layered Indulgence.